Vivian Zottola, MSc
AffiliateBostonK9Concierge LLC
Interest in Animal Behavior
I am a Human–Canine Relationship Therapist and Research Associate with the Center for Canine Behavior Studies, bridging science with in‑field practice to arrive at unconventional yet always kind and realistic solutions. My professional interests center on animal behavior, attachment, and stress resilience. I integrate science and compassion to help families understand their dogs, reduce behavior challenges, and prevent unnecessary surrenders. By uniting research and practice, I create humane, evidence‑based protocols that support canine wellbeing and strengthen the human–animal bond.
Biography
I have been working in the dog behavior training field since 2009. I hold a Master of Science in Anthrozoology and am credentialed as a CBCC‑KA, CPDT‑KA, CSAT, and Fear Free® Certified Professional. I am a Joint Standards Of Practice (JSOP) signatory, a Research Associate with the Center for Canine Behavior Studies and published author. As CCBS member, I serve as a research associate and subject matter expert and have co-authored peer-reviewed studies published in The Journal of Veterinary Behavior, Animals, and PLOS ONE. Additionally I develop animated educational video lessons for BeBiteSmart℠, CCBS’s public outreach initiative whose mission is to reduce the risk of dog bites to children through education and prevention.
I am the author of Being A Good Dog In The Human’s World (2025 BIBA® Award Winner – Non-Fiction: Dog Care & Training), its companion workbook, and the fiction title Cammie, Queen of the Neighborhood Goes to the Moon, which gently explores pet loss and emotional healing.
One of my favorite tools I’ve developed, a collaborative behavior data tracker has genuinely made my professional and personal life better! It streamlines workflow and helps make behavior change feel clear, sustainable and approachable for everyone involved, from guardians to veterinarians. I have received positive feedback over the past few years testing it with my clients. Plans are underway to make the tracker accessible to colleagues who want a clearer, kinder way to track progress- stay tuned!
Presently I live in Waltham, MA caretaking my elderly mother while I continue working with clients servicing the metro-west/Boston area. I accept fear, aggression and SepAnx cases all ages and am always happy to connect with other professionals whether it’s to share strategies, tools, troubleshoot cases, or just chat about what’s working.
Practice Information
BostonK9Concierge LLC
202 K Street, Unit 1, Boston, Massachusetts, 02127, United States
617-721-8025
617-721-8025
Flexible hours — available by appointment in home and remote
Professional Background
Academic Information
Bachelors of Science Economics, Suffolk University, 1992
Masters of Science Communication Management, Simmons University, 2001
Masters of Science Anthrozoology, Canisius University, 2020
Professional Associations & Memberships
Professional Certifications
CBCC‑KA – Certified Behavior Consultant Canine – Knowledge Assessed
CPDT‑KA – Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed
CSAT – Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer
Fear Free® Certified Professional
Family Paws Parent Education Program – PROFILE Certified
Advanced Training
Living and Learning with Animals Certification with Dr. Susan Friedman
Veterinary Case‑Based Approach to Applied Clinical Behavioral Medicine with Dr. Karen Overall
The Professional Course in Positive Neuroplasticity with Dr. Rick Hanson
Professional Memberships
AVSAB Member (American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior)
IAABC Supporting Member (International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants)
APDT Member (Association of Professional Dog Trainers)
ScienceMatter Member
Animal Behavior Society Member